Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2: Do sequels of TV shows work? Let’s find out!

Star plus show Saath Nibhana Saathiya that went on air in 2010 and had a great run till 2017, was one of most loved daily soap on the small screen.  And very recently, the show also came in talks after a meme from it went viral, while people started tripping on Kokila Modi’s ‘rasode mein kaun tha’ rap, looks like this buzz also convinced Saath Nibhana Saathiya makers to announce a season 2 of the show. Yes, Gopi Bahu played by actress Devoleena Bhattacharjee shared the new season's first glimpses on social media and the show’s fans couldn’t be more excited. But what we loved about the new season’s teaser was to see how the team has also played on the ‘rasode main kaun tha’ aspect. Along with this, they have also built hype around a new character named Gehna, leaving people wanting to know more about the character. 

Though not much has been revealed about the new season, there is no clarity if our beloved Kokila Ben Modi aka Rupal Patel will also reprise her role. As per reports, Devoleena’s Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant Siddharth Shukla might also be a part of Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2. Now that the Star Plus show is returning with a new season we wonder if sequels work for television shows. While this has been a mixed experience in the past, the probabilities of sequels o small screen doing well is rather lopsided. Yes, while shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Khichdi were loved by the audiences, their sequels which were Yeh Rishte Hai Pyaar Ke, Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon Season 2 didn’t manage to do very well. 

But there have been certain exceptions also, like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai Take 2 received a great response with its digital release, however, Khichdi Season 3 felt flat in the face. Similarly, Sony TV’s Beyhadh that keep the audiences hooked, did not get the same response for its season 2. But Kasautii Zindagi Kay’s modern version managed to win hearts. However, even this reprised version of the show didn’t become a cult like the original one. Sharing her opinion in an old magazine interview of mine, actress Ratna Pathak Shah had said, “I’m not sure if sequels work. I did a sequel for both my shows Idhar-Udhar and Filmychakkar which were terrible and should have never been made. So I am not sure that a sequel is a good idea because I don’t think we are geared for that kind of programming yet.”

Talking about the concept of sequels in the TV industry, especially about Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2, TV critic Salil Sand opines, “I don’t think sequels work. Especially, in the case of Saathiya everything has been milked, so in the sequel how will you up your game. In the West, shows are left at a point where there is a story to say, but in India; we are more of an actor-driven industry than a content-driven one. What is new that we will show in Saath Nibhana Saathiya 2? I feel it’s a bad decision on the part of the channel, especially, with them having the data about how sequels fare. Like Kasautii Zindagi Kay, even though there was a euphoria the show didn’t do well, in case of Saathiya too initially there might be a buzz and that euphoria might be there, but once the show goes on air it will all die out. So I don’t think the sequel will work.”

Well, sequels for shows have not been a new phenomenon, but them not working has been a constant trend. And while the season format for reality shows work very well, Ekta Kapoor produced Naagin franchise has been the only TV drama which season after season has maintained its loyal fanbase and also ruled the TRP charts. Let’s see what will be the fate for Saathiya’s season 2.

Senior journalist Jaideep Pandey also shares his views on sequels for TV shows, he says, “In my opinion, what decides whether a sequel will succeed or not is whether it remains true to its script and character development. The series on which the sequel is based must also have a respectable scope for further development. Unless these two are not taken care of, any sequel will have a hard time impressing the audience. We often see sequels have a very different starcast and a disconnected script as well. The intention behind such projects seems to be able to capitalize on the success of its predecessor. A sequel must not be attempted on a whim, and it must be carefully considered if there is a genuine scope for making it.”

Written by Nawaz Kochra (Entertainment Journalist, Mumbai)